Le Meridien – Lodginghttp://lodgingmagazine.com
Official Publication of the AH&LAMon, 19 Mar 2018 17:38:38 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Carey Watermark Acquires Le Méridien Arlingtonhttp://lodgingmagazine.com/carey-watermark-acquires-le-meridien-arlington/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/carey-watermark-acquires-le-meridien-arlington/#respondThu, 30 Jun 2016 12:00:21 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=25930NEW YORK—Carey Watermark Investors 2, Incorporated (CWI 2), a non-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in lodging and lodging-related properties, announced that it has acquired the Le Méridien Arlington. The hotel is part of a mixed-use development that includes 621,000 square feet of Class A office space and 136 residential units, as well as the 154-guestroom Le Méridien. Centrally located in the urban village of Rosslyn, a submarket of Arlington, Va., across ...

]]>NEW YORK—Carey Watermark Investors 2, Incorporated (CWI 2), a non-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in lodging and lodging-related properties, announced that it has acquired the Le Méridien Arlington. The hotel is part of a mixed-use development that includes 621,000 square feet of Class A office space and 136 residential units, as well as the 154-guestroom Le Méridien. Centrally located in the urban village of Rosslyn, a submarket of Arlington, Va., across the river from Georgetown, the property is in close proximity to top destinations in the Washington, DC area.

Built in 2008, the property was converted to the Le Méridien brand in 2012. A $3 million soft goods renovation of the guestrooms and meeting space is currently underway, resulting in a totally renovated asset. Rosslyn, a submarket of Arlington, benefits from its proximity to numerous restaurants, shopping areas, tourist destinations and corporate offices within the Georgetown/Washington, DC region. The Washington, DC/Northern Virginia market has shown healthy RevPAR growth (5.1 percent in 2014 and 5.4 percentin 2015).

The Rosslyn submarket includes more than 24.4 million square feet of office space and has limited developable land. The property is the only hotel that has been developed in Rosslyn since 2000.
Strong brand affiliation and management: Le Méridien, a Starwood Hotels & Resorts brand, is a global hotel brand with a portfolio of more than 100 luxury and upper-upscale hotels across more than 50 countries worldwide. The hotel will continue to be managed by HEI Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality owner and operator that operates 62 full-service, upper-upscale, luxury and premium select-service hotels and resorts throughout the United States, including a total of nine properties owned by CWI 2 and its affiliate, Carey Watermark Investors. The property represents the only Le Méridien in Virginia and Washington, DC and the only Starwood product in the Rosslyn submarket.

Property and amenities: 154 guestrooms; 4,800 square feet of indoor meeting and event space; 4,500 square feet of outdoor meeting and event space; bar/lounge and full service restaurant; fitness center; and a business center.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/carey-watermark-acquires-le-meridien-arlington/feed/0Le Méridien to Open in Fort Lauderdalehttp://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-to-open-in-fort-lauderdale/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-to-open-in-fort-lauderdale/#respondTue, 19 Apr 2016 19:48:51 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=24427STAMFORD, Conn.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its Parisian-born Le Méridien brand will open in Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, in partnership with owner and U.S. real estate developer Charles S. Cohen. Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will debut in 2017, following a comprehensive $30 million renovation and conversion of the hotel. This forthcoming opening follows on the heels of tremendous brand growth in North America over the last 18 months in Charlotte, ...

]]>STAMFORD, Conn.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that its Parisian-born Le Méridien brand will open in Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, in partnership with owner and U.S. real estate developer Charles S. Cohen. Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will debut in 2017, following a comprehensive $30 million renovation and conversion of the hotel. This forthcoming opening follows on the heels of tremendous brand growth in North America over the last 18 months in Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, New Orleans, Tampa, and Indianapolis.

“We are delighted to partner with Starwood to introduce Le Méridien in Fort Lauderdale, following the top-to-bottom transformation and repositioning of this ideally located hotel,” stated Charles S. Cohen, president and CEO of New York-based Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation. “Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will help to meet rising demand for high-quality lodging within close proximity of the airport, Broward County Convention Center and the downtown business district and will also serve the growing need for meeting rooms and event facilities for tenants of our corporate center.”

Following its renovation and conversion, the hotel’s arrival experience will feature a transformed glass curtain wall façade and upgrades to the porte-cochere as well as large-scale artwork in high impact areas. Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will feature 245 contemporary guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as two redesigned restaurants–one with a mid-century modern, open kitchen concept–and the brand’s signature Latitude Bar. The hotel will also introduce Le Méridien Hub, which reinterprets the traditional hotel lobby into a social gathering place and builds on the brand’s arrival experience and coffee culture.

“Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will be the brand’s second hotel in Florida, joining its growing North America portfolio,” said Allison Reid, senior vice president of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Le Méridien is a perfect brand for strategic conversions and adaptive re-use projects, which are driving the brand’s growth in the region, allowing us to enter mature metropolitan markets more quickly.”

Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will also offer an expanded fitness center, a renovated outdoor pool, and 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art flexible meeting space in a prime location. The hotel transformation is being carried out by a team of design and construction specialists, including Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates and Daniels Brothers Inc., in addition to Dash Design, for interior design; Nievera Williams Design for landscape design; and Tex Lighting for lighting design.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-to-open-in-fort-lauderdale/feed/0Enhanced Coffee Culture Brews in Hotelshttp://lodgingmagazine.com/enhanced-coffee-culture-brews-in-hotels/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/enhanced-coffee-culture-brews-in-hotels/#respondTue, 15 Dec 2015 14:21:09 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=22275As more emphasis continues to be placed on the communal experience of hotel lobbies, the food and beverage scene is adjusting accordingly. Guests can enjoy wine tasting together, or share a dining table at the end of the day. Another quick and easy way to provide guests with a memorable social experience is to build a coffee culture through which guests can sip and enjoy within the hotel, rather than grab and go. Serving artisanal ...

]]>As more emphasis continues to be placed on the communal experience of hotel lobbies, the food and beverage scene is adjusting accordingly. Guests can enjoy wine tasting together, or share a dining table at the end of the day. Another quick and easy way to provide guests with a memorable social experience is to build a coffee culture through which guests can sip and enjoy within the hotel, rather than grab and go. Serving artisanal coffee has become a trend in recent years, providing a way to keep guests spending time—and money—on in-house coffee, rather than at the Starbucks down the street.

“There has been a growing global demand from travelers, who appreciate the craft of coffee as more than something you pick up to-go on the road. There is something inherently social about coffee culture,” explains Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Meridien.

Le Meridien has an extensive program based around coffee, as it serves drinks from global coffee partner, illy. At more than 100 hotels, the guest experience revolves around Le Meridien Hub, a lobby concept that expresses the brand’s essence through coffeehouse elements. Its passion for coffee is expressed in a number ways, but namely, through its Master Barista program. Launched in 2013, the program educates coffee crafters on coffee-related standards and initiatives for each hotel. Each hotel in the portfolio has an in-house Master Barista that severs as the lead coffee server.

“It’s creating this engaging, coffeehouse atmosphere that encourages dialogue, contemplation, and interaction among guests and locals, enlivened with the sights, sounds, and aromas of coffee,” Povinelli says.

The brand also launched the Inspiration Brewed Here campaign in 2014 that named its first Global Latte Artist, Esther Maasdam, who proceeded to travel around the world using Le Meridien hotels as her inspiration to create late art.

Of course, the focus on the caffeinated pick-me-up does not stem brand executives’ mere enthusiasm for the drink. Through the hotels’ initiatives, it is clear that the enhanced coffee culture has been beneficial for guests and owners alike. From November 2014, since launching its partnership with illy, coffee consumption by Le Meridien guests has grown by more than 15 percent, with guests now consuming 7.6 million cups of coffee, versus 3.8 million in 2007.

“The brand’s coffee culture expands beyond the morning eye opener or the afternoon pick-me-up, providing an atmosphere for guests to recap about their travels or hold an impromptu meeting with colleagues,” Povinelli says. “Coupled with a study we conducted just over a year ago that established an overwhelming 78 percent of guests would rather give up alcohol, social media, or sex for a year rather than forfeit coffee—we know we are heading in the right direction.”

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/enhanced-coffee-culture-brews-in-hotels/feed/0Carey Watermark Acquires Le Meridien Dallashttp://lodgingmagazine.com/carey-watermark-acquires-le-meridien-dallas/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/carey-watermark-acquires-le-meridien-dallas/#respondMon, 23 Nov 2015 13:27:51 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=21904NEW YORK—Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated (CWI 1) announced that it has acquired Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh. The historic hotel includes 176 guestrooms and is located in the chic Uptown Dallas district Originally built in 1923, Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh is a AAA Four Diamond Art Deco hotel that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel underwent an extensive $36 million renovation in 2008, which fully repurposed and repositioned the ...

]]>NEW YORK—Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated (CWI 1) announced that it has acquired Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh. The historic hotel includes 176 guestrooms and is located in the chic Uptown Dallas district

Originally built in 1923, Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh is a AAA Four Diamond Art Deco hotel that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel underwent an extensive $36 million renovation in 2008, which fully repurposed and repositioned the property as an upper-upscale lodging facility. Since 2008, $4.5 million has been spent to further upgrade the property and in early 2016, an additional $4 million renovation is planned for guestroom and corridor updates, the addition of an outdoor courtyard event space, a pool and other enhancements.

Dallas is an attractive growth market, evidenced by its 6.4 percent population growth from 2010 to 2014, which also places it in the top five growth cities in the United States. From 2009 to 2014, the downtown Dallas lodging market achieved an 8.4 percent compound annual growth rate in RevPAR, significantly above the U.S. average of 6.8 percent for the same period.

The hotel benefits from its attractive location in the Uptown Dallas district, directly north of downtown Dallas, offering a diverse mix of office, residential, and retail demand drivers. The hotel is within walking distance of numerous dining, nightlife, and entertainment options for locals and leisure travelers alike.

Le Meridien, a Starwood Hotels & Resorts brand, is a global hotel brand with a portfolio of more than 100 luxury and upper-upscale hotels across more than 50 countries worldwide. The hotel will continue to be managed by Merritt Hospitality, an affiliate of HEI Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality owner and operator that owns and manages 48 full-service, upper-upscale, luxury, and premium select-service hotels and resorts throughout the United States. Merritt Hospitality currently manages the Westin Pasadena, Westin Minneapolis, Sheraton Austin at the Capitol and the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center for CWI 1.

The property features 8,900 square feet of meeting and event space, and a lobby bar and lounge. Additionally, there is an American-style full-service restaurant, outdoor pool, and business center.

Michael Medzigian, chief executive officer of CWI 1, said, “The acquisition of Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh represented the opportunity to secure a fully-renovated, iconic asset in one of the most attractive locations in the Dallas Metroplex, a region where economic growth is amongst the strongest in the nation. As a top-ranking property in Dallas, we expect the hotel to continue to benefit from the strength of the local economy, as well as the diverse corporate and leisure attractions in the area. Although Dallas-Fort Worth is already the fourth largest metro area in the country, it continues to diversify and grow at a considerable pace and we are very excited about its continued and long-term growth potential.”

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/carey-watermark-acquires-le-meridien-dallas/feed/0Le Méridien Batumi Opening in 2018http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-batumi-opening-in-2018/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-batumi-opening-in-2018/#respondWed, 02 Sep 2015 16:33:30 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=20368STAMFORD, Conn.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., in partnership with Red-Co Ltd, today announced that its Paris-born Le Méridien brand will open in Batumi, the brand’s first location in the Republic of Georgia. Scheduled to open in 2018, the 110-room newly constructed hotel will showcase modern architecture and design within the Batumi Tower, a mixed-use development project that also includes a casino and unbranded residences. Designed by the Hausart Project, the Batumi Tower is the ...

]]>STAMFORD, Conn.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., in partnership with Red-Co Ltd, today announced that its Paris-born Le Méridien brand will open in Batumi, the brand’s first location in the Republic of Georgia. Scheduled to open in 2018, the 110-room newly constructed hotel will showcase modern architecture and design within the Batumi Tower, a mixed-use development project that also includes a casino and unbranded residences. Designed by the Hausart Project, the Batumi Tower is the tallest structure in the city and features a unique eight-cabin carousel wheel on the 27th floor.

“We thank the owners, Red-Co Ltd, for putting their trust in Starwood, and we look forward to a long and successful working relationship with them,” said Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Le Méridien promises to ‘unlock’ each destination it enters for its guests and this hotel will inspire creative and curious minded travelers to discover the culture, the arts and cuisine of Batumi.”

Located in southwest Georgia on the Black Sea, Batumi is a popular resort destination and the country’s summer holiday capital. Le Méridien Batumi will be located within the heart of the city center, situated on the boulevard along the stunning Black Sea, steps away from the port of Batumi and adjacent to the Dancing Fountains.

Guests will experience signature amenities from the hotel brand, including Le Méridien Hub, the brand’s reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby into an experiential space for guests to converse, socialize, and exchange. The signature Latitude Bar will serve coffee specialties from the brand’s long term partner, illy, as well as light bites by day and Sparkling aperitifs by night. The 110 guest rooms and suites will offer Black Sea views and will feature the signature Le Méridien Bed, a spacious work area, and functional technology with modern design elements. The curated culinary offerings in the two restaurants promise discovery of new tastes while the Explore Spa, swimming pool, and fitness center will provide guests the opportunity to relax and unwind. The interiors of Le Méridien Batumi will be designed by Tbilisi-based design firm Rooms.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in Georgia, a growing market at the crossroads of Asia and Europe,” said Bart Carnahan, senior vice president, acquisitions & development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Le Méridien Batumi will join our Sheraton Batumi and Sheraton Metechi Palace hotels in the Republic of Georgia, and will be a great addition to the vibrant city of Batumi.”

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-batumi-opening-in-2018/feed/0Le Méridien Debuts in the Big Easyhttp://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-debuts-in-the-big-easy/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-debuts-in-the-big-easy/#respondFri, 19 Dec 2014 17:13:20 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=15903NEW ORLEANS—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has unveiled Le Méridien New Orleans, following a comprehensive $29 million transformation. The newly renovated hotel features 410 fully redesigned guestrooms, including 22 suites; three new food and beverage outlets, including a new destination restaurant; and the addition of 1,600 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. “Le Méridien is experiencing strong growth momentum in North America, and New Orleans has long been on our short list of ...

]]>NEW ORLEANS—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has unveiled Le Méridien New Orleans, following a comprehensive $29 million transformation. The newly renovated hotel features 410 fully redesigned guestrooms, including 22 suites; three new food and beverage outlets, including a new destination restaurant; and the addition of 1,600 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

“Le Méridien is experiencing strong growth momentum in North America, and New Orleans has long been on our short list of dynamic U.S. cities that share in our brand passions for the arts, culture, and cuisine,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Méridien and Westin. “Le Méridien New Orleans will provide a unique experience for creative and curious minded travelers as we help them unlock the destination through locally influenced design, programming, and food and beverage.”

The renovation of Le Méridien New Orleans is taking place in two phases, with the first round completion including the full-scale renovation of all 410 guestrooms and respective corridors. Throughout the hotel, the design incorporates lines and grids inspired by the cartography and geography of New Orleans as seen from an aerial perspective. The design also features patterns and textures influenced by cultural and architectural elements.

The hotel also features Le Méridien Hub, a coffeehouse environment by day and a wine-inspired setting by night. Options at Longitude 90 bar include illy coffee, sparkling cocktails, and éclairs. LMNO, the hotel’s new destination restaurant, is open for dinner service each evening. With Executive Chef Mauricio Gutierrez at the helm, the restaurant offers New American fare infused with global flavors and a menu that provides a new perspective on local cuisine. The restaurant offers a dinner menu with select menu items available for lunch at Longitude 90.

Renovations completed on the second floor include 1,600 square feet of new, flexible meeting for a total of 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space as well as the addition of a new breakfast restaurant, Marché. As part of Le Méridien signature breakfast, guests receive complimentary Eye Opener shots that combine unconventional ingredient pairings and local flavors.

The final phase of the hotel transformation will include a redesigned front desk and porte-cochere valet entrance, the enhancement of existing meeting space, and a landscaped palm garden that incorporates an art component and outdoor seating for guests and private events. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for March 2015.

Centrally located on Poydras Street, Le Méridien New Orleans is adjacent to the Arts District and just a few blocks from the jazz clubs, restaurants, and night clubs of the French Quarter. Nearby attractions include Harrah’s Casino, the Warehouse District, Contemporary Arts Center, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, and the French Market.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-debuts-in-the-big-easy/feed/0Le Meridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center Appoints Director of Food and Beverage, Chief Engineerhttp://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-chicago-oakbrook-center-appoints-director-of-food-and-beverage-chief-engineer/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-chicago-oakbrook-center-appoints-director-of-food-and-beverage-chief-engineer/#respondFri, 19 Sep 2014 18:39:02 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=14171CHICAGO–Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, a Rockbridge Portfolio property, has announced the appointment of Jiaqi Tang as director of food & beverage and Jarek Krolak as chief engineer. The new hires will join the team at the new Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, which recently opened in July following a $25 million transformation. As director of food & beverage, Jiaqi Tang brings a wide range of leadership and management skills to Le Méridien ...

]]>CHICAGO–Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, a Rockbridge Portfolio property, has announced the appointment of Jiaqi Tang as director of food & beverage and Jarek Krolak as chief engineer. The new hires will join the team at the new Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, which recently opened in July following a $25 million transformation.

As director of food & beverage, Jiaqi Tang brings a wide range of leadership and management skills to Le Méridien both on a national and international level. Jiaqi joins the team after most recently serving as director of outlets at the Peninsula Chicago, overseeing restaurant and beverage operations. She previously worked at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino as general manager of BR Prime Steakhouse. Prior to joining Beau Rivage, Jiaqi was assistant restaurant manager at Jean George Restaurant at the Portman Ritz Carlton in Shanghai.

Jarek Krolak joins Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center as chief engineer from SOHO House Chicago, where he served as facility manager. Prior to SOHO House, Jarek worked at Embassy Suites, the Talbot Hotel and Renaissance Hotel as director of engineering, and Hilton Garden Inn as regional director of engineering.

]]>CHICAGO—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. today announced the opening of Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, a Rockbridge Portfolio property, following a $25 million transformation. Managed by Wischermann Partners Inc., Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center provides a new lens on Western Chicago’s sophisticated Oak Brook area, home to a multitude of upscale shopping and dining options as well as Fortune 500 business headquarters.

“We are on track to triple our North American portfolio since Starwood first acquired Le Méridien in 2005,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Méridien and Westin. “With shared passions for culture, the arts, and cuisine, Chicago has long been on our short list, and the location is a great backdrop for our Le Méridien brand promise to unlock the destination for the curious and creative-minded traveler.”

“Our vision for and strategy around the end user has created a hotel unrivaled in the market,” noted Jim Merkel, Rockbridge president and CEO. “Rockbridge and the team focused on every detail to totally transform the hotel experience at Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center.”

Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center brings a new lens on Oak Brook through the work of local Chicago artists and abstract installations representing notable Chicago symbols, such as bicycles and the Ferris wheel, which debuted at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. Upon arrival, guests will experience a large-scale mural depicting the architecture of the city by contemporary artist Justus Roe of the Chicago Artists Coalition. The Hub also features an installation of a deconstructed bicycle, a nod to Oak Brook’s many biking trails, with the bike chain in the shape of Illinois and the headlight representing Chicago. Each floor of the hotel’s elevator lobbies showcases images taken from Chicago’s signature “L” train, including the mileage and direction from the hotel in relation to where each particular shot was taken. The Executive Club Lounge features eight photographs by Chicago native Satoki Nagata portraying Chicagoland locals caught in the rain. Custom graphic patterns throughout the hotel, created by Starwood’s design team, are abstract designs of local contextual nuances, including original Daniel Burnham city plans for Chicago and maps of the public spaces of the Windy City.

The ninth floor has a 3,000-square-foot grand salon ballroom and executive club lounge as well as the hotel’s new restaurant concept, El Tapeo, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the city. The 58-seat restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine, created by culinary artist and Chicago native, Chef Franco Diaz. In the hotel’s 25-seat lounge and 12-seat bar, guests are also served freshly made, handcrafted cocktails and light tapas style appetizers.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-chicago-oakbrook-center-now-open/feed/0Le Méridien Readies for Return to New Orleanshttp://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-readies-for-return-to-new-orleans/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-readies-for-return-to-new-orleans/#respondTue, 15 Jul 2014 15:30:31 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=12685NEW ORLEANS—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. today unveiled designs for Le Méridien New Orleans, a milestone as the French-born brand prepares to return to the Crescent City by end of year. Formerly the W New Orleans, the hotel is currently undergoing a $29 million renovation and conversion. The Le Méridien will debut this winter once the project is complete. The hotel will remain open in the interim, but it is temporarily operating as the ...

]]>NEW ORLEANS—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. today unveiled designs for Le Méridien New Orleans, a milestone as the French-born brand prepares to return to the Crescent City by end of year. Formerly the W New Orleans, the hotel is currently undergoing a $29 million renovation and conversion. The Le Méridien will debut this winter once the project is complete. The hotel will remain open in the interim, but it is temporarily operating as the Hotel New Orleans Downtown.

“Since acquiring Le Méridien in 2005, we have fully transformed the brand into a contemporary lifestyle experience dedicated to unlocking the destination through culture, cuisine and the arts,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Méridien and Westin Hotels. “Simultaneously, we have focused on developing a consistent portfolio through new openings and full-scale renovations globally, and we look forward to Le Méridien returning to New Orleans with a chic, cultured product designed for the creative and curious minded traveler.”

Le Méridien New Orleans will feature 410 fully renovated guestrooms and corridors as well as a fully redesigned lobby experience, incorporating the signature Le Méridien Hub, a new destination restaurant and bar, and re-concepted second floor flexible meeting space. The hotel will continue to feature premium amenities such as the modern fitness facility, rooftop pool, and more than 15,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space.

Designed by New York-based Meyer Davis, the inspiration for the hotel’s design incorporates the mid-century aesthetic of Le Méridien layered with contextual influences from the city of New Orleans. Design elements and patterns within the hotel draw from the architectural features of the city, including the iconic wrought iron work seen throughout the Big Easy. Cultural references from the Mardi Gras parade route to quotes from one of the city’s most famous sons–Louis Armstrong–layer the design with a lens that is both uniquely Le Méridien and specific to New Orleans.

Wall coverings along the guestroom corridors have been inspired by the cartography of New Orleans with hidden quotes about the city incorporated into the custom pattern. As one moves from the corridor into the guestroom, the entry is wrapped in a graphic design that represents crowd densities along the Mardi Gras route. This theme of subtle nuances continues throughout the design of the guestroom, creating a unique design for Le Méridien New Orleans. A drafting height desk anchors one side of the room—allowing guests to work as a creative designer works—while a soaring headboard draws from the profiles of moldings found throughout the city. The guestrooms’ cool neutral tones with subtle touches of accent colors create a calm reprieve from the bustling city beyond.

Located on Poydras Street, the hotel is adjacent to the Arts District and just a few blocks from the jazz clubs, restaurants and night clubs of the world-famous French Quarter. Nearby attractions include Harrah’s Casino, the Warehouse District, Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans Museum of Art, Riverwalk Shopping and the French Market.

]]>http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-readies-for-return-to-new-orleans/feed/0Le Méridien Launches Global Eclair Programhttp://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-launches-global-eclair-program/
http://lodgingmagazine.com/le-meridien-launches-global-eclair-program/#respondWed, 18 Jun 2014 13:00:41 +0000http://lodgingmagazine.com/?p=12243NEW YORK—In anticipation of National Chocolate Éclair Day on June 22, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has launched a global éclair program in partnership with award-winning pastry chef and new LM100 member Johnny Iuzzini. As part of the brand’s new culinary program, Le Méridien hotels and resorts worldwide will offer guests the opportunity to indulge in a variety of modern twists on the Parisian treat, including both classic flavors as well as unique creations inspired ...

]]>NEW YORK—In anticipation of National Chocolate Éclair Day on June 22, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has launched a global éclair program in partnership with award-winning pastry chef and new LM100 member Johnny Iuzzini. As part of the brand’s new culinary program, Le Méridien hotels and resorts worldwide will offer guests the opportunity to indulge in a variety of modern twists on the Parisian treat, including both classic flavors as well as unique creations inspired by the destination. In addition, Chef Iuzzini will create eight seasonal éclair recipes for the hotels, inspired by his travels through various Le Méridien destinations. As part of the program, each hotel will offer modern takes on three signature éclair flavors—coffee, chocolate, and vanilla—as well as one locally inspired flavor.

“Drawn from our European roots, Le Méridien Éclair will allow guests and locals yet another way to unlock their destination,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Méridien and Westin. “Through local recipes and a modern perspective on this quintessentially French pastry, Le Méridien éclairs enable us to offer unique, memorable guest experiences in our signature Le Méridien Hubs and restaurants around the world.”

A 2006 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Pastry Chef and author of Dessert FourPlay and Sugar Rush, Iuzzini served as Head Judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef Just Desserts.” He boasts more than 20 years of kitchen experience at some of the top restaurants in New York City and currently owns a pastry and culinary arts consulting company, Sugar Fueled Inc. As the newest member of the LM100, a group of cultural innovators and artists who define and enrich the guest experience at Le Méridien, Chef Iuzzini will guide the éclair programming and initiatives around the globe, employing his youthful energy and unique culinary style to reinvent the classic pastry, and create eight seasonal éclair recipes exclusively for Le Méridien.

To commemorate the launch of Le Méridien éclairs, Le Méridien hotels around the world will host on-property events, programs, and special offerings highlighting the French treat, from do-it-yourself tutorials with on-property pastry chefs to regular éclair hours for guests to sample seasonal creations. Guests of Le Méridien properties throughout the months of June and July will also be encouraged to upload and share their experiences on social media using #LMeclairs.

Le Méridien hotels around the world will continue to feature a variety of destination-inspired éclairs, offering guests an authentic taste of the local culture, from the Maple Bacon Éclair and Texas Honey Pecan Éclair at Le Méridien Dallas by the Galleria to the Dulce de Leche Éclair, infused with coconut, from Le Méridien Panama. In Germany, Le Méridien Munich will offer a savory éclair with goat cheese, cranberry, and pumpernickel crumbs, while Le Méridien Bangkok will feature a citrus-inspired treat with mango, lime, and ginger.

Through this unique culinary collaboration, Chef Iuzzini will create eight signature éclair recipes exclusively for Le Méridien over the next 12 months, inspired by a global tour of select Le Méridien destinations. Éclair Diaries will kick off in San Francisco on July 10 where Chef Iuzzini will travel around the city and discover the region by motorcycle to uncover local flavors and find inspiration for his fall 2014 éclair recipe. Chef Iuzzini’s recipe will then be unveiled at a special event in New York City on July 29. Johnny’s Éclair Diaries will continue throughout 2014 and 2015 with additional stops being announced soon.

“I’m constantly searching for new flavors, techniques and ideas, and travel is a necessary source of inspiration,” said Chef Johnny Iuzzini. “I am excited to work with Le Méridien in particular because of the brand’s commitment to unlocking the destination through locally-inspired cuisine, and I look forward to reinventing the éclair with the help of Le Méridien’s talented chefs around the world.”